AFC East – The New York Jets have the inside track for the division title with a 1 game lead over the New England Patriots. The Jets also boast the best division record with a 3 – 1 mark. The Miami Dolphins and the Buffalo Bills are two games back of the Jets. When you look at their schedules for the remainder of the season, the Dolphins have only two games against opponents with winning records, while the Jets and the Patriots have 3 opponents and the Bills have 4 with winning records. Keep an eye on the Bills who could play spoiler as they have one game against each of their division rivals. The quest for the AFC East could be determined when the Jets meet the Dolphins on the last regular game of the season.
Division Winner – New York Jets
Wildcard – New England Patriots
AFC North – The Pittsburgh Steelers have a one game lead over the Baltimore Ravens and boast a perfect division record at 4 – 0. The Browns and the Bengals will get to sit back and watch as the Ravens and the Steelers face off in Week 15 to go along with tough games against playoff contenders. The playoff pressure is going to be too much for the Baltimore Ravens and the Steelers will limp into the playoffs.
Division Winner – Pittsburgh Steelers
AFC South – The Tennessee Titans lost their first game on Sunday and narrowed their margin over the rising Colts who now have a 7 -4 record. Both the Jaguars and Texans will have the chance to play spoiler towards the end of the season, but all eyes will be focused on the final game of the regular season when the Titans face the Colts. The Titans own a 4 – 0 division record and should lock up the title unless they have an epic failure.
Division Winner – Tennessee Titans
Wild Card – Indianapolis Colts
AFC West – What can be said about a division where no one seems to want to win a playoff berth. The Broncos and Chargers both appear to be on a collision course for the last game of the season if the Chargers can win their next four games. Anything is possible in the AFC West except for the Chiefs and Raiders to compete for anything but the cellar. Do not expect much from the AFC West representative in the playoffs.
Division Winner – Denver Broncos
NFC East – The New York Giants finished off a four game series where they took care of business and entrenched themselves as the team to beat in the NFC. The Cowboys have come back to life and will compete with the Redskins for the second place in the division and a wildcard berth. If the Eagles lose this week to the Cardinals, then their season is done. The wildcard winner will be which team, the Cowboys or the Redskins, who will win their game against the Giants. The Cowboys will come up just short as the Redskins ride Portis into the playoffs.
Division Winner – New York Giants
Wildcard – Washington Redskins
NFC North – This is another division where no one seems to be that hungry for the title. The Packers took a step back the other night when they lost to the Saints, while the Vikings and the Bears will meet head to head this week. The Vikings remaining schedule is brutal and I expect this team to be the ones who give the Lions their only win this season. The Packers and Bears game at the end of the season could be for the division title.
Division Winner – Green Bay Packers
NFC South – This is the most competitive division in football, with the fourth place team, the Saints, sitting on a 6 -5 record. None of the teams have an easy remaining schedule, which should make this race interesting down the road. The Bucs are in need of some help from the injury bug, while the Panthers are trying to fix their broken passing game. The Falcons are a feel good story that is going to come to an end when they miss the playoffs with a 9 – 7 record. If the Saints offense can remain hot they are the dark horse candidate thanks to the arm of Drew Brees.
Division Winner – Carolina Panthers
Wildcard – New Orleans Saints
NFC West – The absolute worst division in football, which is a shame because it takes away from how special the Cardinals season is. Their offense is amazing to watch as Warner makes a bid for another MVP award. The 49ers, Seahawks, and Rams have a total of 7 wins, which is how many the Cardinals have.
Division Winner – Arizona Cardinals
